Ok so I.T. gurus what do I need?

I'm about to get B.band into the daughters flat and it'll be supplied with a modem (std).
Both laptops are fitted/enabled for wireless but it's not a wirless router.
I understand that wireles is not entirely safe/secure unless setup properly etc and the connection could/can be hijacked by other folk in the building etc.
So the questions are;
1 If I use both laptops at once hardwired to the network what hardware (hubs etc )do I need in addition to the supplied modem.
2 If I get a wirless router/modem does it need to be connected to a base computer at all times, in order for it to work? OR can I just have the wireless modem/router pluged into the mains, and phone/broadband line, and the laptops working on wireless (presumably after the routers been configured with a hard wired laptop).
Or am I way off the mark and need to think again.
I know you won't let me down lads

I've just done a similar home network.
I've got NTL broadband.
I've got a Belkin wireless hub that plugs into the NTL unit. From this I have run network leads into the childrens bedrooms. It also give wireless connection for the laptops too. The Belkin hub is very easy to install, and it tasks you through the security of the wireless side of things. Go to PC world or Curry's.HTH

To use both laptops, your best option is to purchase a router to replace the modem with, the router will allow both the laptops to connect to the internet at the same time. You can buy either a wired or wireless router.

Once you have configured a router, you don't need a PC attached at all, the BB line will connect to the router, then the PC's will connect to it.

It uses a thing called NAT (Network address translation) to allow both machine to be on the internet at once.

Yep.

Get yourself a wireless router.

Both laptops will work with that (wirelessly).

Internet suppliers modem will connect to the wireless router and then the laptops will connect to the router wirelessly.

Setting up the security is as easy as setting up an account on here.

Point and click and follow your nose.

PC World would be a good bet with some hlepful advice.

Netgear stuff seems to be relaible and do the job nicely.

Pat...

Oh, and the wireless router will work fine just off the mains.

No base computer or hardwired stuff required - even to set it up.

Pat...

OK I'm getting there thanks for the info BUT what's the difference between ADSL and DSL routers/modems and which one do I need. (I seem to remember when I did my home one DSL was a no/no for some reason)

Depends what modem the ISP gives you. If it's a USB modem throw it straight in the bin and get a decent one with a built in router. Either wired or wireless. Wired is easier to set up and secure, but requires cables (obviously )

Depending on your house and setup (old house with proper walls and a long distance through floors) you might find it easier to use powerline networking, which combines the ease of wired without needing to run cables.

I use Netgear kit personally. When using wireless try to keep the same make throughout as if you get problems you can get finger pointing in both directions from the manufacturers.

Picture of more or less my set up at the bottom of this page.
http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/XE104.aspx

DSL and ADSL are the same things.

Digital Subcriber Line, A stands for asyncronous you also get SDSL, S stands for syncronous. Async means different download and upload speeds, ie, 2meg/512k where Syncronous is the same both ways 2meg/2meg etc.

The no no for wireless routing is to take it out the bag and use as is.... bad security risk.

So first thing to do once its out and running is to look at the DHCP list on the wireless router, identify from this the MAC address of your PC's and add into the MAC address filter and enable this feature.

Next thing to do is to set passwords, you provide an encrypted password on the router (TKIP) , this then needs to match passwords on the PC's. You are now safe.

Regards Mark

Hi m8 - I did this a long time ago... it was a lot more difficult then. First of all make sure you have a genuine Windows XP disc, or one you know for sure works properly. I had loads of trouble with this... (the laptop I bought had a bad copy!).

As said get a modem/router (not a Netgear off ebay). Buy a Belkin or one where you have a simple return if there are problems. Some also have a USB dongle FREE. This is handy if any of your Units isn't wireless.

Install the modem/router. The find out the MAC address of all the Units you want to enable access to the internet. Write down and store the MAC addresses. Enable WEP or one of the WPA security features. Your security passwords on all of the Units needs to be identical including encryption strength!

You may need to run a small utility which enables your other Units to share Internet access but this is pretty easy.

Networking (sharing files) is a little more complex but nothing over the top if you're building your own car... just be careful what you share. If you need more advice just ask...


Steve

Cheers lads looks like the questions answered.